The modernisation of two vocational education institutions in Vinnytsia has been completed: Vinnytsia Vocational College of Services and Vinnytsia Vocational College of Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship. The works were carried out under the EU4Skills project, which is financed by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with KfW, the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund (USIF), and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine as the beneficiary.

The total volume of investment in the two institutions exceeded €2.6 million. The funds were allocated for capital repairs and thermal modernisation of training workshops, as well as for the purchase of modern equipment used directly in the educational process. The upgraded workshops were designed in line with accessibility principles to create a comfortable and accessible environment for all learners.

“Investing in vocational education means investing in Ukraine’s workforce and economic recovery. Modernised facilities and updated equipment allow students to develop practical, job-relevant skills, while employers benefit from a better-prepared workforce. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine in building a vocational education system that is modern, resilient and aligned with labour market needs,” said Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

At Vinnytsia Vocational College of Services, training and production workshops with a total area of more than 3,300 m² were modernised. The institution received modern kitchen, computer and STEM equipment, as well as new furniture for practical training.

Today, students are mastering the professions of cook, confectioner, restaurant and hotel service specialist, information and software processing operator, as well as assembler of radio-electronic equipment — in conditions as close as possible to a real working environment.

“We are modernising vocational education so that it responds to the needs of the economy and of the regions. Investments in modern workshops at colleges make it possible to upgrade equipment and train specialists who can work with contemporary technologies, because today graduates of vocational education must be able to use electronic systems and software. Training is changing accordingly — it must be practical, up to date, and aligned with employers’ needs. As a result of the EU4Skills project, the institution has become more attractive both to school leavers and to adults seeking to acquire new professional skills. Projects like this make education more flexible, more modern, and closer to the real needs of the labour market,” stressed Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

At Vinnytsia Vocational College of Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship, training workshops and a measurement laboratory with a total area of more than 1,500 m² were upgraded. The institution received modern computer and networking equipment, including for the installation of a server room that ensures the stable and secure operation of the college’s digital infrastructure.

The modernisation of the college has made it possible to create conditions for training information and software processing operators, as well as electromechanics, who are learning to work in line with the standards of today’s market.

“Thanks to the modernisation, the two vocational education institutions in Vinnytsia have become more attractive to young people, adults and internally displaced persons, and also reliable partners for employers in the region. The EU4Skills project demonstrates how investments in vocational education infrastructure directly affect employment, human capital development and Ukraine’s economic resilience,” emphasised Nataliia Zabolotna, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration.

Background information:

The EU-funded "EU4Skills: Modernisation of Vocational Education and Training Infrastructure in Ukraine" project is part of the "EU4Skills: Better Skills for Modern Ukraine" programme (Component 3) and aims to update and modernise the equipment and infrastructure of VET schools in Ukraine. The project aims to create a modern VET infrastructure, that contributes to increased attractiveness for students. The project works on laying the foundation for effective, demand-driven education that equips students with skills that the Ukrainian labour market seeks. On behalf of the European Union and the German Development Bank KfW, the project is implemented by the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund.